Pre-school education, basic education and special education

In Finland, six-year-olds can partake in pre-school education in the school year preceding basic education. Pre-school education is provided on school and day-care premises and is administered by social services personnel. Registering for pre-school education is possible annually in March in connection with day-care application.

Compulsory education normally begins in the year the child turns seven. This is the year in which the child begins basic education at the start of the autumn term - usually just before mid-August. The school year finishes at the end of May or beginning of June.

Basic education and related versatile special education services are provided in 23 different school units in Rauma, in Rauma Normaalikoulu (part of Turku University), and at the private Freinet School of Rauma. The comprehensive schools catering for the nine compulsory school years are usually located close to the student's home in Rauma. Schooling can also be undertaken at a school other than the one closest to the home, if desired. In such cases, transportation costs are usually covered by the student's guardian.

No school uniforms are worn in Finland. Rauma has 18 schools for grades 1-6 and three schools for grades 7-9. Special education is provided in special schools covering all nine grade levels.

Updated: 11.06.2008